Maddo's Minute or Two

Hi All,

Welcome to Maddo’s Minute or Two, our quarterly newsletter providing our business partners with a summary of all things happening in and around the business.

In the first two editions of 2021 the focus was on the challenges we have all faced since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. In this edition, we would like to do an ‘about face’ and look at the exciting times we have ahead!

2021 Team Update

In true Maddison fashion, our team once again excelled while working under duress during the recent lockdown period. By implementing a couple of very basic systems, our communication channels were greatly increased, projects completed and day to day running of the business remained solid.

I want to give a shout out to one employee who constantly amazes us with her passion for family and zest for life. Elva Hazel joined us in 2009 as part of the acquisition of Kelly’s Embroidery. Over the past 12 years we’ve all seen Elva rock up to work every day ready to rip in. During the month of August 2021, Elva with the help of her accomplice Julie, completed a job stitching embroidery to over 2000 shirts. They both worked tirelessly striving to complete the job by the deadline and the only thing that stopped them reaching their goal was a small supply issue and the fact the ‘bloody’ machines wouldn’t keep up!

At 74 Years Young, Elva is a grandmother and great-grandmother, and the work certainly doesn’t finish when she switches off the embroidery machines. Elva is hands on with all the grandies and did I mention that she makes THE best tomato relish and apple slice ever.

I hear the word ‘grateful’ get bandied around all the time now, so I don’t want to use it to explain what we think of Elva.

So Elva…. We are so thankful for everything you do!

Price Increase

Over the past 18 months we have been forced to absorb multiple price increases from many of our suppliers both local and international. Our team has done everything they can to find alternative products of equal quality, consolidate products across our customer base and negotiate better rates on our highly consumed lines. But after all of that, from November 1st 2021 we have no other option but to increase our pricing. Even though we are seeing increases from between 3% - 30% wehave landed on a standard 4.7% increase across our range. There will be a range of products where prices are held firm and a small percentage of products which will require a further increase from standard. We will notify all customers who purchase products which fall into this category. If you require any further information or would like Tim to call in to discuss the price increase, please do not hesitate to contact us on sales@maddisonsafety.com

Lockdown Grazing Plates

Our resident provider of delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and my wife Robbi Maddison didn’t let us down during the lockdown. All staff whether working from the office or remotely was spoilt regularly with sensational hampers from a little Café (owned by our daughter) down on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead called Dash & Hound.

If you are looking for a great little gift idea for you staff or family, get down to see Ash and her team and they will put together a wonderful hamper for you.

Showroom Update

Please note as from Monday October 11th our showroom is back open for business. The team has been busy redesigning the area with a new range of Summer Workwear that looks sensational. We have new workwear and footwear styles arriving weekly so if you want to kit your team out, please call in and see our guys for ideas and suggestions.

Supplier Update

After 44 Years at 3M, our great mate Gary Watsford has decided to hang up the boots. Gary was instrumental in the growth we have had with 3M over the years and always treated every member of our team with great respect. Gary is a guy that I have bounced many an idea off, we always have a laugh and we’ve enjoyed many a beer over the years.

So on behalf of us all here at Maddison Safety, we would like to send Gary a massive congratulations on your career and wish you all the best in retirement.

New Vending Van

We took delivery of a new Toyota HiAce Van this month to service the vending machines across the Hunter Valley. With lead times and deliveries greatly impacted in this industry, we would like to make special mention of Brendan Dooley at Auto Advantage for guiding us through the process and securing a fantastic vehicle in these crazy times.

Also, a shout out to Justin Lee over at Big Colour Gateshead for the artwork design and wrap.

Wellness Programme

Next week we have Dean Noonan from Check 5 coming in to present his wellness program to our staff. We constantly invest in the maintenance of vehicles, IT and operating systems but how often do we invest in the wellbeing of our staff?

With all the uncertainty currently clouding our lives at the moment, we feel that it’s a good time for us all to have a check up on our health and wellbeing and make Christmas 2021 one to remember.

Once again thank very much for your continued support and looking forward to catching up soon.

Yours Sincerly 

Managing Director